Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced the city’s 2013 graduation rates Wednesday – seven months early – giving the outgoing mayor a final chance to boast about the school district’s most striking sign of improvement.

More than 61% of students graduated on time in June, a record high, Mr. Bloomberg said. Usually, the city releases graduation data in June of the following year, after giving the state Education Department time to verify the numbers and compile a statewide graduation rate.

“I’m not going to be here,” Mr. Bloomberg said when asked why the city didn’t wait this year. “I want everybody to know these numbers.” Read More »